Western appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1885-18??, 1887-03-05
Race Pride.

When pride of race is the theme, one
must be able to point with pride to re-
sources developed, victories won, con-
quests recorded or the achievements of
the race in question, in letters, arts and
sciences
The torch of civilization was lighted on
the shores of our fatherland ages ago;
but in the darkness that has since en-
veloped Africa for centuries, the world
has almost forgotten the deeds of which
she was once SO proud; just as England,
the mistress of the SEAS" has forgotten
that at that time she was in as degraded
and ignorant condition as Africa now
is.
AS race, of what have we to be
proud? What have we, as our peculiar
inheritance, to rejoice in? Our col5r?
The Negro is not broad enough for that;
he meets much every day that makes
him think his color disgrace. Our en-
slavement? Hardly, for slavery is a
badge of inferiority and the fact that
our ancestors captured and sold each
other, makes the thought execrable,
and it is said no other race would SO
tamely have submitted to years of SER
vitude and waited permission to strike
for their freedom. Nor can we be
proud of our remaining popularity the
disunion that has characterized us from
beginning end is our bane to this day;
for without the aid of the coast tribes,
who warred against the weaker ones,
the slave ships would never have cap
tured and enslaved SO many Africans.
These are the race peculiarities and
in none of them is there much material
tor pride. I mean the race, every son
and daughter of Ham taken as whole
not the few; for it is the trend ofthe
mass that is typical Of race pride or dis
honor. There have been instances of
beroism, Of revolt, of bravery, as grand
as any in history, but with the exception
Of San Domingo, history does not furn-
ish an instance of united race action;
nor can We point to any other time we
have originated and acted with the
unity and purpose of one man.
No, we have nothing of which to be
proud, as other races have; we are a
disorganized, divided mass of power
and intellect. But we can be proud Of
our opportunity to make the most
glorious success, the mostsrapid advance
ment in all things Of any nation under
the sun. Because ones ancestry have
done nothing to which he can refer with
| pride, is the more reason he should
labor to be proud Of himself. A proper
self-respect is expected of races as OF
individuals. We need more race love:
the tie of racehood should bind us as the
tie of brotherhood, beget tenderness
and helpfulness for the weaknesses and
fallings, and more hearty appre citation
of each other. United we could with.
stand any foe, break down any preiu.
dice; as neither Byron's withered foot
nor Millions blindness prevented them
becoming two Of the worlds greatest
poets, neither will our color prevent III
rising to as great heights as have beer
attained by any.
Unity among ourselves is desired but
not isolation from those around us. VIZ
are Negroes but we are also Americans
In numbers, wealth and intelligence il
the strength necessary to concession
of our rights. Get wealth among our
4
selves by dealing with each other, and
prove our race by supporting and pat
ronizing them. Backed by the suppor1
Of each other we can demand what We
will
Tho unity existing among the Jews
Irish and Germans in community, i,
the secret of their wonderful success, il
establishing themselves as American